The Barn — Poem

The barn is quiet.

Amber rays filled with dust,

dancing near a window pane.

A pig grunts.

Chickens strut closer,

hoping for grain.

Corn is scattered in the hay.

The pig looks up,

distrusting, yet curious.

I stay away,

from the untamed swine.

I walk to the field,

watching cows graze in the lush grass.

Black bodies amble in unison,

toward the fence.

Wet noses greet me, tails swish.

Scratching their heads.

I wince at their misguided trust,

yet admire them for it.

To me, they are friends,

to others, they are meat.

My grandfather scolds me,

for being too attached.

I know the outcome.

The eventual heartbreak.

And each visit, I count them,

fearing there will be one less.